Vertical Sliding Target System

ABSTRACT

A vertical sliding target system and a method of employing the same. In one configuration, the target system has more than one target unit. Each target unit has a vertical sliding mechanism, a strike surface, and a hit sensor. The target system also has a control unit, a wireless network, and a sensor system. The target system further includes programmed exposure sequences, a recording apparatus, and a visual representation of data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is related to provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63/081,979, filed Sep. 23, 2020, titled “Shot Timer Target: A wireless electronic network of one or more raising/falling reactive shooting targets controlled by a Wi-Fi enabled user device that measures shooting speed/accuracy and presents feedback to the shooter”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Most individuals train in firearms by using cardboard, paper or steel targets. They may also use shot timers to measure speed. Targets are routinely used in firearms training, or recreationally, by utilizing a shot timer to measure speed and accuracy. A shot timer is a timing device used in firearms training or sports, that initiates the training with an audible signal and then “listens” for subsequent shot(s), and displays the time from buzzer to shot, or shot to shot. These types of devices enable individuals to work on improving their speed, either from a draw to a first shot or between shots.

The shooter's time is usually recorded electronically by a device detecting the sound of each shot by the shooter together with the time from the start signal. When the shooter is finished the timer will show the time from the start signal until each shot and the split time between consecutive shots.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiments relate generally to shooting targets that measure shooting speed and accuracy and present feedback to the shooter. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a target system that present a combination of randomized elements: multiple targets, random order of presentation, random pause before commencement of the engagement scenario, random number of hits for a target to go down and random duration between exposures of a target in a vertical sliding manner for a visual stimulus, rather than an audible stimulus and takes into consideration the number of exposures in the recording data.

These elements provide a far more realistic simulation of combat shooting, where these random elements are often present. Although other reactive training target designs do exist, the present invention uses a vertical sliding mechanism which greatly reduces the complexity and cost of each target, the invention also utilizes a self-contained wireless network, obviating the need for the shooter to download an app to their device in order to use it.

The embodiment of the present invention offers fundamental advantages over the shot timer in practical firearms training that make it a far more realistic training tool for military and law enforcement. For instance, embodiments of the present invention use a visual stimulus of the target beginning its vertical movement to signal that an engagement scenario has begun, the visual stimulus also starting the timer as opposed to an audio stimulus used by the shot timer. The average reaction time for humans is 0.17 seconds for an audio stimulus and 0.25 seconds to a visual stimulus. Thus, the present embodiments provide a more accurate indication of a shooter's reaction time in a real combat situation.

Embodiments of the present invention also record each shot taken by the shooter by measuring the time between the raising of each target and the hits recorded at the strike-face of that target, rather than the time from a buzzer to the shot. These embodiments are therefore able to better measure speed and accuracy. Embodiments of the present invention also employ multiple targets which can be programmed to raise in a random order, meaning that the shooter cannot choose or predict which target will raise next and is forced to react accordingly.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the invention is programmed to give an audio signal after initiation to alert the shooter to get ready, but the pause between the ready signal and the first target beginning its upward sliding movement is a random value between five and eight seconds or another upper and lower threshold that the shooter can choose, meaning that the shooter cannot anticipate the rise of the target and pre-empt it.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the shooter can choose engagement scenarios which involve the presentation of multiple consecutive targets, this forces a shooter to switch fire from one target to the next in randomized order, making it a far more realistic training tool. If the user chooses an engagement scenario which involves the presentation of multiple consecutive targets, then they can also choose to have a random pause, the typical time is between three and five seconds between each presentation of the target. This ensures that the shooter cannot anticipate the rise of the next target and pre-empt it.

In yet another embodiment of the invention a vertical sliding mechanism is used, which greatly reduces the complexity and cost of each target.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the target system utilizes a self-contained wireless network, obviating the need for the shooter to download an app to their device in order to use it.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a control unit comprises a master microcontroller unit that creates an independent wireless network from which a shooter can open a webpage using a wireless enabled device. In another embodiment of the present invention, multiple individual target units automatically connect to the wireless network and can then be controlled by the shooter using the primary unit.

In one embodiment, the webpage offers the shooter a range of engagement scenario options. Once the engagement scenario has been chosen and the shooter has initiated the engagement, there is a pause to allow the user to ready themselves and an audio signal that the scenario is about to begin. Thereafter there is a random pause before the first target strike-surface begins moving and the timer begins. Once the engagement scenario is over then there is another audio signal and the results of each hit recorded and the relevant times are sent to the shooter's device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1-1 depicts a vertical sliding target unit in an upper position according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 1-2 shows a vertical sliding target unit in a lower position according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 2-1 shows a schematic diagram of the vertical sliding target unit according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 2-2 shows a schematic diagram of the vertical sliding target unit in, according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 2-3 shows a schematic diagram of the vertical sliding target system according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 2-4 shows a schematic diagram of the vertical sliding target unit according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 2-5 shows a schematic diagram of the vertical sliding target unit according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 3-1 depicts a vertical sliding target unit in an upper position utilizing a pulley system according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 3-2 depicts a vertical sliding target unit in a lower position and utilizing a pulley system according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a vertical sliding target unit in an upper position and utilizing a gear driven system according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 5-1 depicts a vertical sliding target unit in a lower position and capable of utilizing a pneumatic driven unit or hydraulic pump system according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 5-2 depicts a hydraulic pump unit according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 5-5 depicts a pneumatic driven unit according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 6 depicts a target system according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 7-1 shows a schematic diagram of a target system according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 7-2 shows a schematic diagram of a target system according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 7-3 shows a schematic diagram of a target system according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 7-4 shows a schematic diagram of the vertical sliding target system according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is described with reference to embodiments of the invention but shall not be limited to the referenced embodiments. Throughout the description of the present invention, references are made to FIGS. 1-1 through 7-4 . When referring to the figures, like structures and elements shown throughout are indicated with like reference numerals.

FIG. 1-1 depicts a target unit 102 in an upper position P1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The target unit 102 comprises a vertical sliding mechanism 104, a strike surface 108 functionally attached to the vertical sliding mechanism 104, a hit sensor 110connected to the strike surface 108, a primary control unit 118 connected to the vertical sliding mechanism 104. The primary control unit 118 connects to the power source. The strike surface 108 may connect to a hit sensor 110in which the hit sensor 110is capable of detecting the impact to the strike surface 108. In one embodiment of the present invention, the hit sensor 110is a piezo-electric sensor 124 disposed on the strike surface 108 and linked to the primary control unit 118.

In one embodiment, the target unit 102 may incorporate a plastic “A” frame stand capable of folding for ease of storage and transportation. The “A” frame stand, once erected, can support the vertically sliding mechanism to help raise and lower the strike-face along the vertical body. A sensor system 112 sends and receives signals to facilitate a sliding movement Y1 vertically about the target unit 102 101. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor system 112 includes an upper sensor 114 and a lower sensor 116 in communication with the vertical sliding mechanism 104. The upper sensor is capable of detecting when the strike surface 108 is in an upper position P1 and the lower sensor 116 detecting when the strike surface 108 is at a lower position P2.

FIG. 1-2 shows the target unit 102 in 1-1 but in a lower position P2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2-1 shows a schematic diagram of a target unit 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The diagram of the target unit 102 comprises a vertical sliding mechanism 104, a primary control unit 118 connected to the vertical sliding mechanism 104, and a wireless network 120 connected to the primary control unit 118. The diagram incorporates a hit sensor 110that detects the impact, or a hit to the strike surface 108. The diagram also shows a sensor system 112 connected to the primary control unit 118 and an upper sensor 114 and a lower sensor 116 in communication with the vertical sliding mechanism 104. The sensor system 112 is used to send and receive one or more signals to facilitate the movement of the vertical sliding target unit 102. In one embodiment of the present invention, the primary control unit 118 is capable of creating an independent wireless network 120 and accessible to one or more wireless enabled devices.

FIG. 2-2 shows a schematic diagram of a target unit 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The diagram comprises a primary control unit 118, a wireless network 120, a hit sensor 110, a sensor system 112 connected, and an upper sensor 114 and a lower sensor 116 in communication with a vertical sliding mechanism 104. This diagram of an embodiment of the present invention further comprises a remote device 122 interacting with the primary control unit 118. The remote device 122 capable directing the sliding movement Y1 of the vertical sliding mechanism 104.

FIG. 2-3 shows a schematic diagram of a target unit 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The diagram comprises a primary control unit 118, a wireless network 120, a hit sensor 110, a sensor system 112 connected, and an upper sensor 114 and a lower sensor 116 in communication with a vertical sliding mechanism 104. This diagram of an embodiment of the present invention shows the hit sensor 110as a piezo-electric sensor 124 that is linked to the primary control unit 118.

FIG. 2-4 shows a schematic diagram of a target unit 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The diagram comprises a primary control unit 118, a wireless network 120, a hit sensor 110, a sensor system 112 connected, and an upper sensor 114 and a lower sensor 116 in communication with a vertical sliding mechanism 104. This diagram of an embodiment of the present invention further comprises a recording apparatus 126 connected to the primary control unit 118. The recording apparatus 126 receives data from primary control unit 118 after the hit sensor 110emits a signal upon impact to the strike surface 108. The primary control unit 118 sends the corresponding data to the recording apparatus 126. The recording apparatus 126 records the time duration between commencement of raising of the vertical sliding mechanism 104 and registers the hit or hits to the strike surface 108 to present data based on speed and accuracy of such hits.

FIG. 2-5 shows a schematic diagram of a target unit 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The diagram comprises a primary control unit 118, a wireless network 120, a hit sensor 110, a sensor system 112, and an upper sensor 114 and a lower sensor 116 in communication with a vertical sliding mechanism 104. This embodiment of the present invention further comprises a web server 128 connected to the primary control unit 118. The web server 128 can service a webpage or web application 130 and links the sensor system 112 of the target unit 102 to the web page or web application 130. The primary control unit 118 creates an independent wireless network 120 from which a shooter can open the webpage or web application 130 using a wireless enabled device. The web application 130 may also work in conjunction with or contain the recording apparatus 126.

In one embodiment of the present inventions, the webpage or web application 130 offers the shooter a range of engagement scenario options. Once a scenario has been chosen and the shooter has initiated it there may be a pause to allow the shooter to ready themselves and an audio signal that the scenario is about to begin. Thereafter there can be a random pause before the strike surface 108 of a target unit 102 begins moving and the timer begins. Once the engagement scenario is over then there may be another audio signal and the results of each hit recorded and the relevant times are sent back to the shooter's wireless enabled device.

FIG. 3-1 shows a target system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment shows a target unit 102 a vertical sliding mechanism 104 comprises consisting of pulley system 125. The pulley system 125 comprising a trolley 134 functionally attached to the strike surface 108, a rail 136 functionally attached to the trolley 134, one or more pulley wheels 138 attached to the pulley system 125, and one or more cables 140 working with the one or more pulley wheels 138 to move the trolley 134 along the rail 136. I one embodiment of the present invention, the target unit 102 may further comprise a rotary motor 142 driving the vertical sliding movement Y1 of the pulley system 125 to raise and lower the strike-face. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the target unit 102 may comprise one or more sensors 144 disposed on the rail 136 to detect the strike surface 108 location on the rail 136 to stop the sliding movement Y1 of the strike surface 108 at the upper position and the lower position.

In yet another embodiment of the present, the pulley target system further comprising one or more sensors 144 disposed on the rail 136. The sensors 144 detect the location of the strike surface 108 on the rail 136 to stop the sliding movement Y1 of the strike surface 108 at the upper position P1 and the lower position P2. In one embodiment of the present invention, the target unit 102 consists of a plastic “A” frame stand capable of folding for ease of storage and transport. Once erected, the stand will support the rail 136 and vertical sliding mechanism 104 to help vertically raise and lower the strike-face of the target unit 102 along the rail 136 using the rotary motor 142 and cables 140. The target unit 102 may be powered by a battery that can be disconnected and removed for re-charging.

FIG. 3-2 shows the target system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment shows the target unit 102 of 3-1 but in an upper position P1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a target system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a target unit 102 incorporates a vertical sliding mechanism 104 comprising a gear driven system 127 to drive the vertical movement of the target system.

FIG. 5-1 shows a target system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment depicts a vertical sliding target unit 102 in a lower position P2. In this embodiment, target unit 102 is capable of utilizing a pneumatic system 129 or hydraulic pump system 131 according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 5-2 depicts a partial view of the target unit 102. In and capable of utilizing a hydraulic pump system 131 according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 5-3 shows a target system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment depicts a pneumatic system 129 according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 6 shows a target system 101 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the target system 101 comprises a plurality of a plurality of target units 103, a primary control unit 118 connected to the plurality of target units 103; a wireless network 120 in connected to the primary control unit 118. Each target unit comprises a vertical sliding mechanism 104, a strike surface 108 functionally attached to the vertical sliding mechanism 104, and a hit sensor 110 disposed on the strike surface 108. There is also a power soured connected to the plurality of target units 103.

FIG. 7-1 shows a schematic diagram of a target system 101 according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein. The diagram comprises a sensor system 112 connected to the plurality of target units 103. The sensor system 112 is capable of sending and receiving one or more signals to facilitate a sliding movement Y1 about the plurality of target units 103. The diagram also shows a primary control unit 118 connected to an upper sensor 114 and a lower sensor 116 disposed on each target unit, and a wireless network 120 connected to the primary control unit 118. In this embodiment, each target unit comprises a vertical sliding mechanism 104 and a hit sensor 110 functionally attached to the vertical sliding mechanism 104. An upper sensor 114 and a lower sensor 116 are connected to each target unit and in communication with the vertical sliding mechanism 104. The diagram also includes a power source 107 connected to the target units 103.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is one primary target unit out of the plurality of a plurality of target units 103. The primary target unit corresponds with the primary control unit 118. The remaining a plurality of target units 103 take on the role of a secondary target unit 111 where each secondary target unit 111 has a corresponding secondary control unit 113. Each secondary control unit 113 is capable of communicating with the primary control unit 118. The secondary control unit 113s may be wireless enabled device 105 that detect and connect to the wireless network 120.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the primary control unit 118 contains the microcontroller 115, relay switches, analogue input for the hit sensor 110 and step-down power converter. The microcontroller 115 and a wireless chip 117 connected to the target unit. Each microcontroller 115 and wireless chip 117 transmit command signals and data. The microcontroller 115 can create an independent wireless network 120 from which a user can open a web application 130 using a wireless enabled device 105. Multiple individual a plurality of target units 103 can automatically connect to the wireless network 120 and can then be controlled by the user via the primary control unit 118. The web application 130 offers the user a range of engagement scenario options. Once a scenario has been chosen and the user has initiated it there is a pause to allow the user to ready themselves and an audio signal that the scenario is about to begin. Thereafter there is a random pause before the first target strike-face begins moving and the timer begins. Once the engagement scenario is over then there is another audio signal and the results of each hit recorded and the relevant times are sent back to the user's device.

FIG. 7-2 shows a schematic diagram of the vertical sliding target unit according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein.

FIG. 7-3 shows a schematic diagram of the vertical sliding target unit according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein. In this embodiment, the target system 101 further comprising a recording apparatus 126 that connects to each target unit. The recording apparatus 126 displays a visual representation 119 of hits to the strike surface 108. The visual representation 119 consists of data from the times of each hit to the strike surface 108 in relation to the initiation of sliding movement Y1 of the strike surface 108 over the course of a programmed exposure sequence 121.

FIG. 7-4 shows a schematic diagram of the vertical sliding target unit according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein. In one embodiment of the present invention further comprises an exposure sequence 121 programmed to directing the movement of the vertical sliding mechanism 104 and a recording apparatus 126 connected to the hit sensor 110. In one embodiment, a visual representation 119 of data from the times of each impact to the strike surface 108 in relation to an initiation of upward sliding movement Y1 of the strike surface 108 over the course of the programmed exposure sequence 121.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is a remote device 122 having a user interface or web application connected to the plurality of target units 103. The remote device 122 is programmed to display a selection of one or more exposure sequence 121s that causes the plurality of target units 103 to raise and lower. The present invention allows the user to choose engagement scenarios which involve the presentation of multiple consecutive targets, this forces a shooter to switch fire from one target to the next in randomized order, making it a far more realistic training tool. If the user chooses an engagement scenario which involves the presentation of multiple consecutive targets, then they can also choose to have a random pause of between three and five seconds between each presentation, meaning that the shooter cannot anticipate the rise of the next target and pre-empt it.

The exposure sequence 121s that may be selected include falling exposure, fixed exposure, number of exposures, or duration between exposures. In a falling exposure sequence 121 the plurality of target units 103 fall when impacted, in this mode the user can select the number of hits to make each target fall back down or a random number of hits between a minimum and maximum threshold. In a fixed exposure sequence 121, each target unit will remain up for a fixed length of time or a random number of hits between a minimum and maximum threshold. In a number of exposures sequence, the number of exposures determines how many times a target unit will be raised or a random number of hits between a minimum and maximum threshold. In a duration between exposures sequence, the duration between exposes is the length of time between an impacted target unit going down and a next target unit being raised or a random number of hits between a minimum and maximum threshold.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the primary control unit 118 contains the microcontroller 115, relay switches, analogue input for the hit sensor 110 and step-down power converter. The microcontroller 115 and a wireless chip 117 connected to the target unit. Each microcontroller 115 and wireless chip 117 transmit command signals and data. The microcontroller 115 can create an independent wireless network 120 from which a user can open a web application 130 using a wireless enabled device 105. Multiple individual a plurality of target units 103 can automatically connect to the wireless network 120 and can then be controlled by the user via the primary control unit 118. The web application 130 offers the user a range of engagement scenario options. Once a scenario has been chosen and the user has initiated it there is a pause to allow the user to ready themselves and an audio signal that the scenario is about to begin. Thereafter there is a random pause before the first target strike-face begins moving and the timer begins. Once the engagement scenario is over then there is another audio signal and the results of each hit recorded and the relevant times are sent back to the user's device.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the target system 101 further comprises a recording apparatus 126 that connects to each target unit 101. The recording apparatus 126 displays a visual representation 119 of hits to the strike surface 108. The visual representation 119 consists of data from the times of each hit to the strike surface 108 in relation to the initiation of sliding movement Y1 of the strike surface 108 over the course of a programmed exposure sequence 121.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the target system 101 comprises a power source 107 in which a pulley system 125 is used to drive the vertical movement of the target system 101

In one embodiment of the present invention, the target system 101 comprises a power source 107 in which a gear driven system 127 is used to drive the vertical movement of the target system 101.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the target system 101 comprises a power source 107 in which a pneumatic pump system 129 is used to drive the vertical movement of the target system 101.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the target system 101 comprises a power source 107 in which a hydraulic system 131 is used to drive the vertical movement of the target system 101. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A target unit comprising: a vertical sliding mechanism; a strike surface functionally attached to the vertical sliding mechanism; a hit sensor connected to the strike surface; a primary control unit connected to the vertical sliding mechanism; a sensor system connected to the primary control unit; an upper sensor and a lower sensor within the sensor system and in communication with the vertical sliding mechanism; a wireless network connected to the primary control unit; and a power source connected to the primary control unit.
 2. The target system of claims 1, further comprising a remote device interacting with the primary control unit, whereIN the remote device is capable of directing the sliding movement of the vertical sliding mechanism.
 3. The target system of claim 1, wherein the hit sensor is a piezo-electric sensor disposed on the strike surface and linked to the primary control unit.
 4. The target system of claim 1, further comprising a recording apparatus connected to the primary control unit, the recording apparatus receiving data from the primary control unit after the hit sensor emits a signal upon impact to the strike surface and the primary control unit sending the corresponding data to the recording apparatus.
 5. The target system of claim 1, further comprising a web server connected to the primary control unit, the web server servicing a web application capable of linking the target system to the web application.
 6. The target system of claim 1, wherein the vertical sliding mechanism incorporates a system selected from the group consisting of pulley system, gear driven system, pneumatic system, and hydraulic system.
 7. The target system of claim 1, further comprising a pulley system comprising: a trolley functionally attached to the strike surface, a rail functionally attached to the trolly, one or more pulley wheels attached to the pulley system, and one or more cables working with the one or more pulley wheels to move the trolley along the rail.
 8. The target system in claim 7, further comprising a rotary motor driving the vertical sliding movement of the pulley system to raise and lower the strike-face.
 9. The target system in claim 7, further comprising one or more sensors disposed on the rail to detect the strike surface location on the rail to stop the sliding movement of the strike surface at the upper position and the lower position.
 10. The target system of claim 1, further comprising a motor connected to the primary control unit, wherein the motor drives the vertical movement of the strike surface.
 11. A target system comprising: a plurality of target units, each target unit comprising a vertical sliding mechanism, a strike surface functionally attached to the vertical sliding mechanism, and a hit sensor disposed on the strike surface; a primary control unit connected to the vertical sliding mechanism; a wireless network connected to the primary control unit; a sensor system in communication with the vertical sliding mechanism; an upper sensor and a lower sensor connected to each target unit and in communication with the vertical sliding mechanism; and a power source connected to the target units.
 12. The target system of claim 11 further comprising a primary target unit corresponding to the primary control unit, one or more secondary target units, and a secondary control unit corresponding with each secondary target and in communication with the primary control unit.
 13. The target system of claim 12, wherein the secondary control units are wireless enabled devices capable of detecting and connecting to the wireless network.
 14. The target system of claim 11 further comprising a microcontroller and a wireless chip connected to the target units, the microcontroller and wireless chip capable of transmitting command signals and data.
 15. The target system of claim 11 further comprising a programmed exposure sequence directing the movement of the vertical sliding mechanism, a recording apparatus connected to the hit sensor, and a visual representation of data from the times of each impact to the strike surface in relation to an initiation of upward sliding movement of the strike surface over the course of the programmed exposure sequence.
 16. The target system of claim 11 further comprising a selection of one or more exposure sequences causing the target units to raise to an upper position and lower to a lower position.
 17. The target system of claim 16, wherein a exposure sequence is selected from the group consisting of (a) falling exposure, wherein the target unit s fall when impacted, in this mode the user can select the number of hits to make each target fall back down or a random number of hits between a minimum and maximum threshold, (b) fixed exposure, wherein each target unit will remain up for a fixed length of time or a random duration between a minimum and maximum threshold (c) number of exposures, wherein the number of exposures determines how many times a target unit will be raised or a random number of exposures between a minimum and maximum threshold and (d) duration between exposures, wherein the duration between exposes is the length of time between an impacted target unit going down and a next target unit being raised or a random duration between a minimum and maximum threshold.
 18. The target system of claim 11, wherein the vertical sliding mechanism comprises a system selected from the group consisting of pulley system, gear driven system, pneumatic system, and hydraulic pump system.
 19. The method of employing a vertical sliding target system, which comprises: (a) programming a plurality of target units to raise in a random order in accordance with an engagement scenario comprising an exposure sequence selected from the group consisting of(i) falling exposure, wherein the target unit s fall when impacted, in this mode the user can select the number of hits to make each target fall back down or a random number of hits between a minimum and maximum threshold, (ii) fixed exposure, wherein each target unit will remain up for a fixed length of time or a random duration between a minimum and maximum threshold, (iii) number of exposures, wherein the number of exposures determines how many times a target unit will be raised or a random number of exposures between a minimum and maximum threshold and (iv) duration between exposures, wherein the duration between exposes is the length of time between an impacted target unit going down and a next target unit being raised or a random duration between a minimum and maximum threshold; (b) initiating at least one engagement scenario with a plurality of target units where each target unit comprises a vertical sliding mechanism, a strike surface functionally attached to the vertical sliding mechanism, a hit sensor connected to the strike surface, a primary control unit connected to the vertical sliding mechanism, a sensor system connected to the primary control unit, an upper sensor and a lower sensor within the sensor system and in communication with the vertical sliding mechanism, a wireless network connected to the primary control unit, and a power source connected to the target unit; (c) facilitating a sliding movement about the target units via an upper sensor and a lower sensor sending and receiving one or more signals in communication with the vertical sliding mechanism; (d) detecting when the strike surface is in an upper position; (e) detecting when the strike surface is at a lower position; (f) detecting impact to the strike surface via the hit sensor; and (g) recording data received from the target unites via a recording apparatus after a hit sensor emits a signal upon impact to the strike surface. 